LAS VEGAS

 DAY:2

Get   around in Vegas 

  Once you’ve landed, you’ll want to move freely-or should we say, cheaply. You can save  bucks by renting an economy car from the off-airport and off-brand agencies, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons of doing so beforehand. Parking is free in Vegas, but be prepared for tipping if you park at the casinos. Also, traffic on the Strip is typically heavy, so even simple drive can be a pain. So, if your hotel doesn’t offer a low-cost shuttle from the airport, try public transportation or let  a cab  take you. Just be sure to verify the rate before you roll, as this is a prime chance to get gouged. Be wary of quoted fares over &20, even to the Fremont area and off-Strip  hotels. You can also grab a limo for around  &35.

  Cheap Vegas food & drinks

  Las Vegas has no shortage of urban  legends, including tall like the &1.99 steak buffet. Think about it: Would you really trust a two-buck trough-o’-been?  Don’t be discouraged,  though. There are plenty  of ways to fill your stomach without draining your  wallet. A few buffets under &15 on the Strip include the New York Steak Buffet at the hotel and Casino, the Surf Buffet  at the boardwalk Hotel and Casino, or the Circus Buffet at Circus Circus. Here are a few more cheap eats:

  Breakfast chow

Breakfast specials under &2 are found at Café Siena, Cannery Casino Hotel, Ellis Island, and Texas Café. Stretch your breakfast budget to &5 and you can hit at least a dozen joints, including Barbary Coast, Boulder Station, the California Hotel and Casino, the Fiesta Casino and Hotel, the Las Vegas Club Hotel, the Marriott, Pink Pony Café, and Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall.

 Cheap drinks

  But of course!  That’s another Vegas specialty. A lot of places have specials for the ladies, but we can get buzzed for less with a little effort. Even if you hit the cheap slots at casinos, you’re bound to score some free drinks. Just don’t expect stellar service, even if you tip well. After all, you’re at the nickel slots, Slick. Gilley’s lets you suck ‘em down to your liver’s content Thursdays after 9 p. m. for one flat price.

 Economical entertainment

 If you haven’t already guessed, there’s more  to Vegas than sitting at casinos, blowing your vacation  budget one game at a time.  Online and print attraction  guides and coupon books are prime sources for discounts on attraction. You can also score club and show tickets on websites like Craigslist and eBay, or on the street-just be careful you don’t buy fakes.

  If it’s free entertainment  you’re after, there’s no shortage of options.  Make it a point to hit the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino and catch Pete Valley as” Big Elvis” (what’s Vegas without Elvis?). At the imperial,  head up to the fifth floor to the Auto Collection, featuring a constantly changing display of over 300rare and celeb-owned  cars.